Bucks get first road win of season against Timberwolves, 87-72

November 7, 1:16 AMMilwaukee Bucks ExaminerKris Gilson

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Bogut had his second straight double-double in the win.  (AP Photo)

Andrew Bogut had his second straight double-double as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 87-72 on Friday night in Minneapolis.  He led the Bucks with 17 points and 10 rebounds and is finally looking like he's close to 100% healthy after last season's back surgery.

“He looks much more like himself. He’s moving around well, facing up people,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. “He’s got a quick first step, is making some nice reads, some nice passes. We’re going to him, and he’s being productive right now.”

The Bucks put the game away in the 3rd quarter tonight, outscoring the Wolves 31-14 to take a 64-52 lead going into the final quarter. 

The 3rd quarter has played a huge role in all four of the Bucks' games thus far.  Both of the games in which they won the 3rd quarter have led to victory, while the two games in which they were outscored in the 3rd have led to losses.

Backup point guard Luke Ridnour had 16 points off the bench tonight.  Hakim Warrick had 12 points and 7 rebounds, marking the third straight game he has scored in the double digits.

Jonny Flynn led the Wolves with 20 points and 3 steals.  Former Florida Gator Corey Brewer was the only other Minnesota player to score in double digits - he had 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, filling up the stat sheet once again.

Rookie Brandon Jennings had an off-night, scoring just 9 points on 4-16 shooting.  He had 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, so he was effective in other ways.  He has struggled two games in a row against fellow rookie Jonny Flynn (the previous meeting was a preseason game in Milwaukee), and questions about his defense are being asked.  If he can't guard a quick guy like Jonny Flynn or a bigger, stronger point guard like Detroit's Rodney Stuckey, then who can he guard?

The Bucks' defense as a whole has been thoroughly impressive early on this season, and tonight was no different.  The team held the Wolves to just 39.2% shooting, which is the exact percentage they held the Chicago Bulls to in Tuesday's loss.  After struggling defensively last year, it's clear this year's team has made it a priority.

"This is a Scott Skiles team," said Bogut . "Whether we like it or not, we're going to be a defensive team."

The Bucks have yet to score 100 points in a game, but they also have yet to give up 100 points, either, and are currently the only team not to do so.  Milwaukee is currently 3rd in the NBA in points allowed, giving up just 89.0 per game, but second to last in the NBA in field goal percentage at 40.2%.

The Bucks (2-2) begin an important 6 game homestand beginning Saturday night against the hapless New York Knicks (1-5).  Gametime at the Bradley Center is 7:30pm.

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